Disappointing start times announced for Philadelphia Phillies playoff games

The Philadelphia Phillies still don’t know who they’ll play in the NLDS (either the New York Mets or the Milwaukee Brewers), but they at least know when some of the games start.

The official start times for Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS were released Tuesday night, and Phillies fans won’t be particularly happy with any of them.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th at 4:08 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. While manager Rob Thomson has not yet named Philadelphia’s starting pitcher for the series opener, it will likely be team ace and NL Cy Young candidate Zack Wheeler, who pitched with an NL-best 2.57 ERA in 200 innings this year of 0.95 WHIP 16-7 achieved on the year.

Game 2 also begins on Sunday, October 6th at 4:08 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. Former All-Star Aaron Nola will likely get the call for the Phillies after going 14-8 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 199 1/3 innings this season.

None of the games are scheduled for prime time, which is disappointing for Philadelphia fans. The late afternoon start time is also a bit awkward, especially since many sports fans will be consumed by CFB Week 6 games on Saturday and NFL Week 5 action on Sunday.

Luckily, the Philadelphia Eagles have this week off, so fans won’t be forced to choose between the two teams. The 2-2 Eagles return to action next Sunday with a Week 6 home game against Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns.

Since the Phillies play on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, their fans will have to plan their weekends accordingly. If Philadelphia wins one of the games, there will be plenty of time to celebrate in the evening.

However, if the Phillies lose both games, Monday morning will be tough.